Rent (YiZhan)

Chapter 4

Author notes: This is my first attempt writing YiZhan. English is not my first language, so please forgive my mistakes and awkward writing. This is NOT for profit. I don't own them. AU and maybe OOC.

Thanks to CALActorsTypist for editing this.

Chapter 4

The next day, Yi Bo arrived at seven o'clock to Mr. Xiao's building. He parked the car and took the service elevator to the penthouse. He knocked on the service door, and a Chinese housekeeper opened the door for him.

"Good morning aunty," he greeted the woman, who might be in her 50's, with a slight bow.

"Good morning young man, you are early," the woman said with a knowing smile.

Yi Bo was silent for a while, trying to fight the blush that crept up his cheeks. He was looking for an excuse. There was no way he would tell this aunty that he could not sleep a minute more after he woke up from a very vividly explicit wet dream that involved his new boss.

He couldn't explain to her that that morning he felt an unusual anticipation. He couldn't say he felt anxious to be there as early as he could. So he could just... lie.

"I tried to avoid traffic," he answered shortly.

"You may call me Mrs. Ling," the woman told him.

"Mn, I'm Wang Yi Bo madam."

"Very well, Yi Bo. Zhan is not up yet. Would you like some breakfast?"

Yi Bo wondered why this woman could address Mr. Xiao by his first name, but said nothing. She seemed to have guessed his curiosity and simply added.

"I'm his housekeeper back in China. I've worked for him many years, he's like a son to me. He's asked to drop formalities."

"Mn," Yi Bo answered, nodding in understanding. At that exact time, his stomach started growling.

"You're far too skinny, I'll make you a big breakfast," auntie Ling said. And off she went to make him breakfast.

Auntie Ling was an excellent cook, as he was able to confirm some time later. He hadn't had a wholesome traditional Chinese meal like that in years. So, he ate his heart out, enjoying his meal slowly. He didn't realized he was making some sounds that indicated that he really was enjoying his food. He was fucking moaning at the time Mr. Xiao came into the kitchen.

Mrs. Ling was laughing quietly at the sounds made by Yi Bo, but Mr. Xiao stood very still near the kitchen door, with an unreadable look on his face.

"Good morning," greeted Mr. Xiao.

Yi Bo had been savoring his meal with his eyes closed. So at the sound of that silky voice, he opened his eyes in shock. He was so fucking embarrassed. He immediately stood up, and bowed slightly while greeting his boss.

"Good morning, sir. I... apologize...I was..."

Mr. Xiao just shook his head, saying: "Don't worry, I see you are in Mrs. Ling magical hands. She is a terrific cook. I need to watch my weight constantly."

Yi Bo felt his cheeks on fire. He knew he was blushing. He was fucking blushing!! For God's sake. He was embarrassing himself to no end. At that exact moment, he realized what his boss was wearing. OMG, he only had on his pajama bottoms and a light robe on him! The creamy patch of skin on his chest was very visible.

Yi Bo tried not to stare, he really did. But this man was temptation on legs, so his physical effort was noticeable.

If Mr. Xiao noticed, he didn't show it. He took a chair and was seated in front of Yi Bo. Mrs. Ling served his breakfast and both men ate in silence.

After they were finished, Mr. Xiao spoke.

"Yi Bo, there is something I need to talk to you about."

Yi Bo nodded, standing up to follow Mr. Xiao, who was walking towards his home office. They entered, and Mr. Xiao said, "Please, have a seat. I have some questions and a proposition for you."

Yi Bo sat down, curious and hesitant.

"How old are you, Yi Bo?" Mr. Xiao asked.

"I'm eighteen," Yi Bo answered shyly. He kept his eyes downcast, missing the sparks in Mr. Xiao eyes, which was definitively not because the age of consent in NYC is 17 years old.

"Won't you go to college?"

"Well, it's complicated..."

"What is complicated? Don't you wanna go? Weren't you accepted?" Asked the older man.

"Well... yes, I was accepted... but, some things happened and, I don't have the money right now."

"What is the school you chose?"

"Harvard..." Answered the younger man.

Mr. Xiao was surprised, but kept silent.

"What do you want to study?"

"Computer science."

"Well, that's not easy."

"I know."

"About the tuition money..."

"Well, my original source of financing withdrew his support, and I don't have a back-up. I'll just work until I can reach my goal."

"Mn. It seems that my proposition will come to help you."

"Mn?"

"It's a business proposition, Yi Bo."

The younger man was very interested, while his heart threatened to jump out of his chest because it was beating so fast and hard.